United Nations Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals

United Nations Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to propose a set of Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. The working group was composed of 30 members, representing Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America, and was co-chaired by Kenya and Hungary. The group's work was informed by the Rio+20 Conference and the Millennium Development Goals, and involved close collaboration with United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme, and World Health Organization. The working group's proposals were also influenced by the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, which was established by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

● Introduction

The United Nations Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals was a key component of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, which aimed to build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals and address the emerging challenges of sustainable development. The working group's mandate was to propose a set of Sustainable Development Goals that would be universally applicable and would balance the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The group's work was guided by the principles of human rights, equality, and justice, and involved close consultation with civil society organizations, such as Oxfam International, Save the Children, and World Wildlife Fund. The working group also drew on the expertise of academic institutions, such as Harvard University, University of Oxford, and University of Tokyo.

● Background

The United Nations Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals was established in response to the Rio+20 Conference, which called for the development of a set of Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. The working group's work was also informed by the Millennium Development Goals, which had been established by the United Nations Millennium Declaration in 2000. The Millennium Development Goals had made significant progress in reducing poverty, improving health, and increasing access to education, but had also highlighted the need for a more integrated and sustainable approach to development. The working group's proposals were also influenced by the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, which had been established by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to advise on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The panel's report, which was published in 2013, emphasized the need for a transformative agenda that would address the root causes of poverty and inequality.

● Membership and Process

The United Nations Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals was composed of 30 members, representing Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America. The group was co-chaired by Kenya and Hungary, and involved close collaboration with United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme, and World Health Organization. The working group's process was open and transparent, and involved close consultation with civil society organizations, such as Oxfam International, Save the Children, and World Wildlife Fund. The group's meetings were also attended by representatives of academic institutions, such as Harvard University, University of Oxford, and University of Tokyo, and by experts from international organizations, such as International Labour Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, and United Nations Children's Fund.

● Proposed Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals proposed a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which were designed to be universally applicable and to balance the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The proposed goals included poverty reduction, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals. The proposed goals were influenced by the Millennium Development Goals, but also addressed new challenges, such as climate change, sustainable consumption and production, and disaster risk reduction.

● Outcome and Impact

The United Nations Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals presented its report to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, and its proposed Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The adopted goals have had a significant impact on the development agenda, and have influenced the work of international organizations, such as World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and European Union. The goals have also been incorporated into the national development plans of countries, such as China, India, and Brazil, and have been used to guide the work of civil society organizations, such as Oxfam International, Save the Children, and World Wildlife Fund. The goals have also been recognized by international events, such as the G20 Summit, G7 Summit, and Climate Change Conference.

● Follow-up and Review

The United Nations Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals proposed a framework for follow-up and review of the Sustainable Development Goals, which would involve the United Nations General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, and High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The framework would also involve the participation of civil society organizations, such as Oxfam International, Save the Children, and World Wildlife Fund, and would draw on the expertise of academic institutions, such as Harvard University, University of Oxford, and University of Tokyo. The follow-up and review process would be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and participation, and would aim to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals are achieved by 2030. The process would also involve the use of indicators and data to track progress, and would be informed by the work of international organizations, such as United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme, and World Health Organization. Category:United Nations